Visit Eastern Indiana Blog

Shop many talented artisans scattered throughout Wayne County. Along the trail, you'll find local artisan studios, shops, and retail galleries featuring one-of-a-kind wares perfect for gift giving. You may even find something for yourself that you just can't live without. Holiday events and entertainment can be found along the trail to help get you into the holiday spirit.

The Victorian elegance of the Seiberling Mansion is a perfect setting for a stunning collection of holiday trees, wreaths and garlands, lights and more. This year’s theme is “A Seiberling Snowman Spectacular.”

Start the holidays with your family at the Seiberling Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will include visits with Santa, tours, live music, carriage rides and more. Reservations are necessary for the carriage rides and usually fill up early. Anyone interested in making a carriage ride reservation should call 765-452-4314.

Inside the Seiberling Mansion, you’ll tour a vision of holiday beauty. Get some ideas for your own tree, and marvel at the dozens of trees in 20 rooms on all three floors of the mansion. Vote for your favorite tree and help pick the People’s Choice!

Seiberling Mansion is located at 1200 West Sycamore Street in Kokomo and is managed by the Howard County Historical Society. The mansion is home to the Howard County Museum. Christmas at the Seiberling tours will continue through Dec. 30, 2018 on Tuesday-Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with special evening hours on select Thursdays and Fridays during December. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students 18 and under.

Guests will enjoy a special “candlelight” evening at the Seiberling from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, with the opportunity to explore the museum in the softer light of a bygone era. More information and advance tickets are available at www.hchistory.org.

While in Kokomo, you can also ride the Polar Bear Express holiday train, ice skate with your family at the Frozen Sandlot, and see over 1 million lights at the We Care Park holiday light display. Find out more at www.VisitKokomo.org/ChristmasinKokomo.

Jayland hosts a flurry of upcoming activities with a variety of Holiday happenings and offers! Jay County unravels the welcoming mat and invites you to come and explore the profound entertainment and shopping options throughout this vibrant wintery escape. Jay County's historic Courthouse will host the Grand Illumination event on Friday, November 30th at 5:30 PM to 7 PM. This event features over 20 uniquely decorated Christmas Trees, along with garland placed throughout the spacious Courthouse interior. T

he Indiana Wesleyan University Singers will be performing popular Christmas Carols at the Jay County Courthouse beginning at 6:15 PM. Santa arrives at the Courthouse to greet families and children at 8:45 PM! The Courthouse is located near downtown Portland. Admission is free. Please contact the Jay County Chamber of Commerce at 260.726.4481 for more information about the Grand Illumination event.

On Friday, November 30th at 7:30 PM, make sure you catch the WinterFest Parade of Lights Celebration in Downtown Portland. The Parade’s Winter Holiday theme includes over 25 entrees. High School Marching Band, local government/business leaders and Santa will make their parade appearance. If you have any questions about the Parade, please contact the Jay County Chamber of Commerce at 260.726.4481

The ornate WinterFest Holiday Home Tour is set to occur on Sunday, December 2nd from Noon through 5 PM. There will be 5 venues available to tour in various Jay County communities. Tickets are $5 each and are required to attend the tour. Tickets are available at the Jay County Chamber of Commerce, which is located at 118 S. Meridian St., Portland or call the Chamber at 260.726.4481

Jay County’s Northern Community of Bryant will be having their Annual Craft Show on Saturday, December 1st from 9 AM to 3 PM. The craft show will include various vendors who will be selling their holiday merchandise. This event is held at the Bryant Community Building. Admission is free. If you would like to learn more about the Bryant Craft Show, please contact Judy at 260.997.6418

Enjoy touring the Jay County Historical Society’s “Christmas at the Museum” on Saturday, November 24th from 1 PM to 4 PM. “Candlelight Tours” of the Museum will be offered on Saturday, December 1st from 6 PM to 8 PM. On Sunday, December 9th from 1 PM to 4 PM, the Museum will host “Family Day”. This special Museum event features several free family and kids related activities. This event will also feature Santa visiting the Museum. “Christmas at the Museum” is set to once again occur on Saturday, December 15th from 1 PM to 4 PM. The Museum is decked out in over 20 beautifully lite Christmas Trees. Museum exhibits are always rotating with captivating historic themes. Admission is free. For more information, please contact 260.726.7168

Sunday, December 9th from 9 AM to 3 PM features the 31st Annual Farm Toy Show at the Jay County Fairgrounds. There will be over 70 farm toy dealer tables. There is an admission fee of $5 per person. Please contact Ronnie at 260.726.6433 for more Show information.

The Pennville Pumpkin Festival is set to get underway on Saturday, October 20th. Visitors will be able to marvel at Pumpkins on display that weight over 1,000 pounds! The Festival will include a whole host of artisans and contests, along with food and craft vendors at the Pennville Park, 235 E. North St. The Annual Festival has become one of Pennville’s primary attractions for several years now. Visitors will enjoy all the festivities and revel in celebrating the beautiful and fun Fall season. The family-friendly Festival caters to all ages and is free to attend! Begin the Festival at the Pennville Lions Club Pancake & Sausage Breakfast from 7 AM to 10 AM at the Pennville Community Building. Then off to the Park to enjoy the $1,000 to win Pumpkin Contest at 1 PM. Don’t forget to participate in the Kids Face Painting, Pumpkin Decorating Contest, Pumpkin Bowling Contest and Pumpkin Walk that is set to occur from 11 AM to 4 PM. Come hungry and enjoy the Whole Hog Roast by the Pennville Volunteer Fire Department from 4 PM to 7 PM. A Bonfire, along with Hayrides and a Costume Contest will begin at 7 PM. The Pennville Pumpkin Festival is organized by Members of the Pennville Pumpkin Festival Committee. If you would like additional information about the Festival, please contact the Committee at 260-729-3459 or 260-251-2774.

Ghouls, Ghosts and Goblins are ready to greet visitors throughout Dunkirk’s very own Haunted Woods. The Woods is located just northeast of the City on Jay County Country Road 450 South. The Haunted Woods is an annual event that has occurred for several years at the current location. The Haunted Woods is geared towards entertaining teenagers and adults. Visitors will encounter several scares and thrills throughout the Haunted Woods’ trails. Bring along your family and friends and conquer your fears together! Admission is $7 per person or $6 with a canned food item. The Haunted Woods is open from 7:30 PM to 11 PM on October 12th & 13th, October 19th & 20th and October 26th & 27th. The Dunkirk Haunted Woods is organized by Members of the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department. If you would like further information about the Festival, please contact the Department at 765-768-6122.

The Vintage Motorbike Club will hold its 46th National Meet on July 26th through July 30th, 2018 at the beautiful Jay County Fairgrounds, 806 E. Votaw St., Portland. This Annual Event is the largest Meet of its kind in the Nation featuring Vintage Cushman Motorbikes. An all-day event pass can be purchased at the Fairground’s front gate for $5.00. This event will feature several varieties of vintage bikes and scooters, show bikes, along with a swap meet, parts, treasures, food and fun for all. Visitors to the Vintage Motorbike Meet are encouraged to browse, buy, sell or trade. Gates open at 6:00 AM daily, with a variety of events such as an early bird ride, poker run, auctions & parade. For additional information about the Meet, please contact Kaitlyn at 419-605-5336, Roger at 248-628-6262 or visit the Vintage Motorbike Club’s Website at www.vintagemotorbikeclub.org

Whether you are passing through for the day or spending the weekend, you will want to take time to visit these great antique shops. Make sure to add in a stop for food at one of our fabulous restaurants or our award-winning wineries to make your visit complete. Read More